Our Story

Who, Why
When a project developer with a passion for labyrinths connected with a group of people with a global message to get out, an unusual vision emerged. Together, they would provide a unique community labyrinth for the enjoyment of everyone, a place for meditation and celebration that would, at the same time, raise global awareness of considering the needs of all people in our communities when planning events and designing facilities. They decided to build a new style of labyrinth that would be accessible to all people, including those with visual, mobility and developmental impairments.

Judy and Linda from the Linda's Labyrinth team

How, Where
In no time, a team of volunteers including a local “green” architect, landscape architects, disability professionals, and people from all walks of life had formed the Victoria Community Labyrinth Society and secured Registered Charity status. The project gained the financial support and endorsement of the Rick Hansen Foundation along with other associations and private individuals. The team studied the seven Principles of Universal Design – the global standard for accessibility. See Center for Universal Design at www.design.ncsu.edu/cud/. The search for a location in central Victoria, BC began.

What
A member of the team created a beautiful, new labyrinth design that the team developed into what they called the “equal-access” labyrinth. It has extra wide, smooth paths to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and baby strollers. It has handrails for people with impaired vision and walking difficulties. It has a one-way path for safety, a large centre for community gatherings, and rest areas along the way. Labyrinth experts believe it to be the first fully accessible labyrinth in the world.

Linda’s Labyrinth
The new design has been renamed to “Linda’s Labyrinth” after Linda Bartram, the blind woman who envisioned and built preliminary models of the design out of Wikki Stix, pipe cleaners and play dough. Linda is an advisor on accessibility to the Federal and Provincial Governments and to BC Hydro, BC Ferries, BC Transit and other organizations.

A new vision for Linda’s Labyrinth – a Labyrinth for All, A Place for Everyone
But there was a hitch. After a three-year search for a building location, land remained the missing piece. The team members were ready to pack their tents and abandon the dream when Linda came up with another brain-wave. Now it seems like destiny that the vision of building a physical “equal-access” labyrinth in Victoria has transformed into a global gift of free plans for anyone wanting to create a temporary version of the Linda’s Labyrinth design. If it worked beautifully using 1000 lanterns at the Luminara Festival in Victoria, for thousands of visitors, it can work using all sorts of materials, anywhere. Of course the temporary Linda’s Labyrinth does not include handrails – not that it would be impossible for you to invent.

Permanent Plan Available
We are happy to be consulted about the plans for the permanent Linda’s Labyrinth design. The full materials list and budget are available to help you work out your needs. Also, our Power Point presentation that wowed local government officials and the parks people, as well as our brochures and proposals may streamline your process. We did a tremendous amount of work and would love to see others benefit from it. Contact LindasLabyrinth@shaw.ca.

Build your temporary version of Linda’s Labyrinth for your Event
The miracle of cyber-space has accomplished our purpose in lightening time at a fraction of the cost to a global audience. Please enjoy, tell us of your experiences using Linda’s Labyrinth and telling people about accessibility to everyone at your festival or ceremony.  Help spread the message of crossing boundaries and including everyone in community projects.